RGUHS Takes Bold Step to Curb Suicides in Medical Hostels, Mandates Anti-Suicide Fan Devices After Tragic Losses

In a decisive and compassionate move, the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) has announced the installation of anti-suicide fan devices across all medical college hostels under its jurisdiction. This initiative comes in the wake of two heartbreaking student suicides at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), which have shaken the academic and medical fraternity.

The recent incidents at MIMS, where two young and promising medical students ended their lives by hanging from ceiling fans in their hostel rooms, have sparked a renewed focus on mental health infrastructure and preventive safety in educational institutions. The university has now taken the rare and proactive step to physically modify living spaces to prevent such tragedies.

What Are Anti-Suicide Fan Devices?

These specially designed devices, when installed on ceiling fans, disable the possibility of hanging from them. If extra weight is applied, the fan automatically detaches or collapses, rendering the method ineffective. While such devices are commonly seen in prison cells or highly sensitive wards, their entry into student hostels marks a significant and urgent intervention.

A Wake-Up Call for Institutions

RGUHS’s decision is more than just a mechanical change — it’s a wake-up call to all educational institutions to address the silent mental health crisis among students. Medical students, in particular, are subjected to intense academic pressure, long hours, and emotional fatigue, often with minimal institutional mental health support.

Immediate Action Ordered

The university has directed all affiliated colleges to begin the installation process without delay. Officials confirmed that funding and technical guidance will be provided to ensure uniformity and effectiveness. Hostels that have not yet faced such incidents are also being included in this drive, making it a preventive measure rather than a reactive one.

Beyond Devices: Need for Mental Health Ecosystems

While the installation of anti-suicide devices is a strong step, experts emphasize that it must be accompanied by a broader mental health support system — including 24/7 helplines, regular counselling sessions, and peer-support programs. The human side of the problem cannot be solved with hardware alone.

Voices From the Ground

A senior official from MIMS commented, “We cannot undo what has happened, but we can ensure no more lives are lost in such silence. These students needed someone to talk to, not just a device to stop them.”

Students have expressed mixed feelings — some appreciate the move, while others feel it’s only the tip of the iceberg. One final-year student said, “This shows they’re aware, but now we need someone to listen when we’re not okay.”

A Step Forward, But Not the Final One

The move by RGUHS is indeed a pioneering one in India, and it may inspire other universities to adopt similar preventive mechanisms. However, the hope remains that this step is just one of many in creating a compassionate, safe, and mentally healthy educational environment for future doctors and healthcare professionals.

In the end, a fan shouldn’t decide a future. A conversation might save one.